Reefer 170 Aquarium Thoughts and Suggestions

[Ben Butler]

Hello,

I am in process of gathering everything to start a new Red Sea Reefer 170 reef aquarium. I wanted to get your opinions on what equipment I am planning on using and if there is any additional items or suggestions you have to use instead of what is on my list. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Red Sea Reefer 170
Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT Protein Skimmer
Vortec MP10 Wavemaker
Bubble Magus Hang on Back Media Reactor MF70
Aquatop Titanium Heater with External Controller (200W)
Current USA 6009 1050 GPH eFlux DC Flow Pump
CPR Aquatic In Tank Refugium, Pro Small, Delux
Lominie LED Aquarium Light for Refugium

Thinking of adding an Algae Reactor (Wavereef)

I really want to make this setup nice so I do not have to continuously upgrade later and want to know I am not limited by my setup.

Is there anything I am missing?

Also, when I start the tank and cycle, what equipment should be turned on and what should be left off while it cycles? What is the best way to cycle?

Thank you all in advance,

Ben

 

[glb]

For the cycle, I ran the return pump and ato at first. I didn’t have lights at the time but it still cycled fine. You don’t have to run the skimmer imo. I used pure ammonia and Dr. Tim’s bacteria to start the cycle. If you use dry rock and sand it takes longer. If you use live rock, it goes much quicker, but it’s more expensive and can come with critters you don’t want. When I got lights, the algae/cyano stage started. You might not need a fuge and an algae reactor both. One or the other should do it. My tank is running about 1 1/2 years and I haven’t added either yet. The skimmer is enough for me. Everything depends on what livestock you want (fish and corals), how often you feed, etc. I have a Tunze ato and love it.
Hope this helps.

 

[Waynerock]

Looks good I just picked up the RO110ss and it fits great in the skimmer with plenty of room to use the other half of the sump for a fuge. That would save you money on the CPR.

 

[Ben Butler]

Thank you both for your responses! Your tank look awesome. Can you list what equipment you have on yours?

 

[Ben Butler]

Thank you both for your responses! Your tank look awesome. Can you list what equipment you have on yours?

 

[Ben Butler]

Thank you both for your responses! I am truly new to this so any advise is greatly appreciated.

Can you list what equipment you have on yours? The pictures look awesome

 

[Waynerock]

Thank you both for your responses! I am truly new to this so any advise is greatly appreciated.

Can you list what equipment you have on yours? The pictures look awesome

2 AI Prime HD
Aqamai KPS X2 powerheads
OP Varios 2 (just got)
OP 110ss
2 aquatop 100w heaters
Tunze 3055 ATO
All in a reefer 170
Thinking of making a baffle in sump and starting a fuge since I got room but N’s and P’s are always super low so that might not work real good